-
We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.
YACT: early 90s jeep (grand) cherokee
- Thread starter guapo337
- Start date
WinkOsmosis
Banned
I like the Cherokee. Friend drove one into a ditch. http://www.tortoisehead.com/goodtimes/DSCF0091.JPG
Grand Cherokee is too big, and if you drive it into a ditch, you can't just replace the panels since it's unibody.
Grand Cherokee is too big, and if you drive it into a ditch, you can't just replace the panels since it's unibody.
Bad news man, the cherokee is a unibody too. The wrangler is the only body-on-frame jeep vehicle.
I have a cherokee and like it quite a bit. If I had to buy again I'd get a grand for a little more room (I'm 6'3") but I wanted the smaller vehicle for better offroading.
http://johnmearns.com/gallery/jeeping05202000/rockeronsteps
http://johnmearns.com/gallery/randomjeeping/DSCN0040
iamwiz82
Lifer
1st generation Grand Cherokee's(ZJs) were build 1993-1998 with a body/interior update in 1996. 1999-on are WJs.
I have a 1993 with a 5.2L and would not suggest the 4.0L in a ZJ since it does weigh a good bit, and the 4.0 just isnt enough oomph. Mine is a trail rig only, and i dont think i would suggest buying a 93-94 as a daily driver. Too many issues occurred with these. The drivetrain isnt bad, however the rear axle is weak at best(the dana 35 is currently standard on 4cyl Wranglers, 6cyl Wranglers get the bigger Dana 44, same axle as the Nissan Titan). 96 on got an aluminum dana 44, which is not advisable for offroading, however it is used in the viper also.
Either way, if you get the ZJ with the 249 transfer case(you will know this by looking at the shifter gate. It is says 4wd full time - N - 4LO, its 249, else it will say 2WD - 4WD Full Time - 4WD Part Time - N - 4LO) take it on the freeway for a few miles, get off and find a parking lot and do tight figure eights. If you feel any binding at all, your viscous coupling is going in the tcase. Thats a $700 job, and is not worth it. My VC is going, so i bought a 231 tcase and am swapping it when i replace my transfer case.
I am very happy with my ZJ, it has gotten me places that TJs and CJs havent been able to get to. It is large, and is hard to see on the trails, and i have enough body damage to prove it(2 of my doors barely work 😀).
Again, i highly suggest the 5.2L, however you will get the 249 tcase.
I can ramble on and on about them, if you would like.
EDIT: Regarding unibody design. The ZJ has more torsional. strength than a 1/2 ton truck, and i notice no horrible flexing within the body.
I have a 1993 with a 5.2L and would not suggest the 4.0L in a ZJ since it does weigh a good bit, and the 4.0 just isnt enough oomph. Mine is a trail rig only, and i dont think i would suggest buying a 93-94 as a daily driver. Too many issues occurred with these. The drivetrain isnt bad, however the rear axle is weak at best(the dana 35 is currently standard on 4cyl Wranglers, 6cyl Wranglers get the bigger Dana 44, same axle as the Nissan Titan). 96 on got an aluminum dana 44, which is not advisable for offroading, however it is used in the viper also.
Either way, if you get the ZJ with the 249 transfer case(you will know this by looking at the shifter gate. It is says 4wd full time - N - 4LO, its 249, else it will say 2WD - 4WD Full Time - 4WD Part Time - N - 4LO) take it on the freeway for a few miles, get off and find a parking lot and do tight figure eights. If you feel any binding at all, your viscous coupling is going in the tcase. Thats a $700 job, and is not worth it. My VC is going, so i bought a 231 tcase and am swapping it when i replace my transfer case.
I am very happy with my ZJ, it has gotten me places that TJs and CJs havent been able to get to. It is large, and is hard to see on the trails, and i have enough body damage to prove it(2 of my doors barely work 😀).
Again, i highly suggest the 5.2L, however you will get the 249 tcase.
I can ramble on and on about them, if you would like.
EDIT: Regarding unibody design. The ZJ has more torsional. strength than a 1/2 ton truck, and i notice no horrible flexing within the body.
I love going muddin'!
WinkOsmosis
Banned
The Cherokee has a frame. I was looking at it.
Lol I've spent more time under it than you've spend looking at any of them 😀 You can have a uni* design and still have rails running down a vehicle. How about you show me a body lift for a cherokee? Might I suggest searching google for jeep cherokee unibody. You have alot of people to notify that they're incorrect, including many automobile publications.
Some will also refer to it as a uniframe design, but it is not body on frame and is the same type of design used on the grand.
The 4.0 straight 6 is a tank of an engine and really seems to last forever if you keep the oil changed. Unless you're going to hauling alot of stuff I'd just go drive them and see which you fit in better. If you're a bigger guy you may want the grand, if not the cherokee is great and should save you some money. If you do look for a grand pay close attention to what iamwiz said about the viscous coupling!
As others have said, the 4.0 is a solid dependable engine. I'm not so fond of Jeep V8s. My parents have always had a V8 jeep (grand wagoneers, grand cherokees) and they have always seemed to have lots of mechanical problems. I've owned two Wranglers with the 4.0 and they have been solid and run well. I can't really speak for the power of the 4.0 in the Grand Cherokee, but I've driven with friends with that combo and it has seemed reasonable - certainly wouldn't win any races, but seem reasonable.
Jeeps are not generally known for being cheap in the maintenance/repair category. Just be aware of that and you should do fine. If you have general questions about different models years etc you should go to http://www.jeepsunlimited.com and check out their forums - lots of great info and helpful people there.
Jeeps are not generally known for being cheap in the maintenance/repair category. Just be aware of that and you should do fine. If you have general questions about different models years etc you should go to http://www.jeepsunlimited.com and check out their forums - lots of great info and helpful people there.
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes + WCL Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 25K
-
-
-
